The effect of Ni(II) on properties of bulking activated sludge and microbial analysis of sludge using 16S rDNA gene

Bioresour Technol. 2011 Feb;102(4):3783-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.12.022. Epub 2010 Dec 9.

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of nickel on properties and microbial community of bulking activated sludge when 60-240 mg/L Ni(II) was dosed continuously in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) over 350 days. Results showed that 120 mg/L nickel did not significantly inhibited removal of organic pollutant by activated sludge. However, the system was completely upset when 240 mg/L Ni(II) was dosed. Improvement of settling and dewatering ability was also observed with the addition of Ni(II). In addition, investigations by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) of 16S rDNA of bacteria strain demonstrated that Ni(II) significantly affected microbial community of bulking activated sludge, judging from the elimination of original species and emergence of possible new nickel-resistant bacteria. The effect of nickel on shift of microbial community was an important cause resulted in the improvement of sludge properties in this bulking activated sludge system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Bioreactors
  • Biotechnology / methods
  • DNA, Ribosomal / genetics*
  • Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Nickel / chemistry
  • Nitrogen / chemistry*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics*
  • Sewage* / microbiology
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods

Substances

  • DNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • Sewage
  • Nickel
  • Nitrogen